351st Bomb Group

1. Airplane and Crew Assignment Check.
   
   
2. Time Schedule:

   High Box
   Stations   –	0900 1000
   Start Engines –	0910 1010
   Taxi     –	0920 1020
   Take Off   –	0935 1035
   Last Take Off –	____

   
   
3. Targets:
   Primary: Dessau - A/C Assembly Plant
   Secondary: Visual – Leipzig Air Arm. PFF – Chemnitz Marshalling Yard
   Last Resort: Any Military Installation in Germany or any A/D [Airdrome] in occupied territory not adjacent to populated area.
   
   
4. Loading:
   351 “A”: Max. [# of] M-76 IB’s [Incendiary Bombs]
   351 “B”:
   Composite:
   Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] in Ship # - H-798 (Lt. Taylor) [Plane changed to R-192] G-757 (Lt. W.J. Condon)
   Chaff: ___
   
5. Gasoline Loading: 2700 [Gal.]
   Remarks: Plenty of gasoline.
   
   

6. Wing Formation	94th (A) CBW	94th (B) CBW	Comp. Group	Comp. CBW
   Lead	457
   Low	401
   High	351

   
   
7. Division Formation:

   Position	CBW [Combat Wing]	Target	Departure Time at Coast
   Lead	40th “A” CW		1100 hrs.
   2nd	40th “B” CW	Ruhland Synthetic Oil Plant
   3rd	1st CW	Dessau
   4th	41st	Köln (Industrial center of city) [Cologne]
   5th	94th	Dessau
   6th		2 min. interval between C.W.
   7th
   8th
   2nd Division	4 C.W.	Merseburg Syn. Oil	1123 hrs. – 15,000’
   3rd Division	4 C.W.	Magdeburg Syn. Oil	1111 hrs. – 16,000’
   Marauders3rd Div.	2 C.W. (B-24)	Lutzkendorf Syn. Oil	1135 hrs. – 15,000’
   RAF [Royal Air Force]

   
   Remarks: ____
   
   
8. Fighter Cover:
   1 Grp P-47’s will sweep Dummer Lake area near Hoorn (Zuider Zee) 5237-0500
   1 Group P-38’s will be sweeping Liège area after bombers pass to pick up stragglers
   1 Group P-47’s – sweeping St. Quentin [France] area on withdrawal.
   All above Groups – Balance 4-4.[Call Sign]
   
   

   • [Force]	[Latitude & Longitude]	[Call Sign]
     P-47’s (1 Grp.)	Times on [Pilot's] flimsy [Reference sheet for that mission]	___
     P-51’s (4 Grps.)	___	___
     P-38’s (1 Grp.)	___	___
     P-47’s (2 Grps.)	___	___

     
     
9. Group Assembly:

   Box	Altitude	Place
   Lead	8,000'	Deenethorpe
   High	9,500'	Deenethorpe
   ___

   
   
10. Navigator - _____
    
11. S-2 - _____
    
12. Weather - _____
    
13. Special Instructions to Navigators, Bombardiers and Radio Operators:
    Tail gunner of lead A/C report to Staff Duty Off. after [unreadable]. Spares back at enemy coast.
    
14. Squadron Leaders and Group Deputy report to Target Room. All but Pilots Dismissed.
    
15. (A) Code Words –

    PFF Bombing –	Dog Face
    Visual Bombing -	Hard Tack
    Authenticator –	Old Gold
    Recall -	Good Time Charlie
    Weather Code -	ITVAB
    Release "CHAFF" -	Tin Hat

    
    (B) Call Signs:

    	Call Sign	Flares	Remarks
    351st A	Vinecraft Red	G [Green]
    351st B
    401st A	Vinecraft White	R [Red]
    401st B
    457th A	Vinecraft Blue	RY [Red Yellow]
    457th B
    Composite
    1st C.B.W.
    40th C.B.W.
    41st C.B.W.
    Composite C.B.W.

    
    (C)

    U.S. Fighters	Balance one-one to one-eight
    R.A.F. Fighters
    Bombers	Vinegrove
    U.S. Grnd. Control	Colgate
    R.A.F. Grnd. Control

    
    

    Control Points:		Fighter Reference Points:
    0 – Splasher 5		F - Zwolle
    1 – Great Yarmouth		O – Dummer Lake
    2 – Enemy Coast		R - Stendal
    3 – 5235 - 0820 [Lat. & Long.]		G - Wittenburg
    4 – 5040 - 1120		I - Dresden
    5 – 5007 - 0656		V - Gotha
    _____		E - Frankfurt
    _____		N – Liege

    Remarks: Cp. Q relayed on VHF only.
    Reference Alt. – 21,000 ft.
    
    (D)

    Colors of the Day
    Time	Color	Letter	Challenge
    0800 – 1400	R - RR	B	S
    1400 – 2000	YY	H	N
    2000 – 0200	Y - YR	D	Y

    
    (E) Ships To Monitor [Radio Channels A, B, C & D]
    1. - All
    2. - Cesarini – Q-028   McClelland – S-721
    3. - Walker – A-560 ,   Neal – K-252 8th [AF fighters]
           D-146  S-318 9th [AF fighters]
       (066 has Crystals 8 & 9)
    4. - Air Sea Rescue to all except lead, deputy, + 066.
       
       
16. Let-Down on _____, if overcast.
    351st A   040° Mag. [Magnetic Compass Heading]
    351st B   ___° Mag.
    401st A   360° Mag.
    457th A   020° Mag.
    
    
17. Flying Control. –
    1. Taxi Plan.
    2. Emergency Fields. - Woodbridge.
    3. Landing Aids.
       
       
18. Special Instructions:
    Leipzig will not be attacked as a secondary unless visual bombing is possible.
    Hold formation until landing.
    Bad Visibility – Take off on green light from Caravan. Each ship will get it.
    

1. General Narrative. Twenty aircraft of the 351st Group took off at 1035 hours and formed at 9,500 feet over the Deenethorpe buncher. The leader of the high squadron took off late and failed to reach the formation. The group was well formed before departure from Deenethorpe, with the exception of two planes which soon got into proper position.
    The three groups forming the 94th Combat Wing assembled on the Deenethorpe buncher. The 457th Group leading the combat wing departed from the buncher on time. The 351st Group (High Group) was in its place in the wing formation soon after the departure from the beacon, and the 401st Group (Low Group) was slightly ahead, but moving quickly into formation.
    The Division assembly was fair. A combat wing of B-24’s moved into the path of the high group and forced it to make a 360° turn at point X – the departure point for the division. As a result of the 360°, the high group lost the 94th Combat Wing formation, and so took off on course five minutes late, calling on VHF Channel “A” for the approximate position of the rest of the combat wing. After the wing leader made a couple of double drifts, the high box was able to move into the combat wing formation at the Holland – Germany boundary.
    Light contrails and thin cirrus clouds were contacted at 21,000 feet, but did not interfere with operations. The formations were good at the IP [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. The groups were taking interval for visual bombing when enemy fighters attacked. Approximately eighty enemy fighters attacked the combat wing formation simultaneously. Several planes were knocked out of formation and others salvoed their bombs when they could not maintain formation with feathered engines. A 360° turn was made over the target, with no run being made on the target either time.
    The Combat Wing Air Commander said that he was going to bomb a target of opportunity, and the high box trailed him in the hunt for a target.
    Bombs were dropped and the high box had to increase its speed to rally with the lead box. The low box did not rejoin the combat wing formation.
    Fighter opposition was severe in the target area. Flak was moderate and generally inaccurate.
    The return of the mission was flown as briefed without further incident. Fighter support was present and there was no more enemy opposition. Landings were made at base from 1748 hours.
   
2. Aircraft Not Attacking. Aircraft 42-38146, pilot Lt. R.W. Condon, returned from a point thirty minutes before the assigned primary target. The #3 and #4 engines were throwing oil and the #3 engine had been feathered. Bombs were dropped in Germany. Credit is given for an abortive sortie.
    Aircraft 42-31192, pilot Lt. Taylor, returned from 52°39’N-02°20’E [25 miles off English coast, E of Great Yarmouth.] when the exhaust collector ring flew out in back of the #2 cylinder of the #4 engine. Bombs were jettisoned in the Channel.
    Aircraft 42-97252, pilot Lt. Neal, returned from 52°35’N-01°50’E [4 miles off English coast, E of Great Yarmouth.] with a sick bombardier.
    Aircraft 42-31238, pilot Lt. Karagiannis, returned from 53°08’N-00°55’E [off English coast, 23 miles E of Skegness] with the report that the #2 supercharger lost power in climb and it was impossible to maintain formation in the climb.
    Aircraft 42-31714, pilot Lt. Heller, returned from 53°16’N-03°42’E [52 miles W of Vlieland Island, Netherlands] after having found it impossible to locate the formation after a late take off.
    Aircraft 42-97318, pilot Lt. Belote, returned from a point about 45 minutes before the assigned target when he had to feather an engine. He called for fighter support and came home on the deck, receiving battle damage from group installations.
    The remaining 15 aircraft proceeded to attack various targets of opportunity as indicated in the Disposition of Bombs Report.
    [Hand-written in:] Add – Cesarini – Jettisoned Bombs.
   
3. Aircraft Lost. Aircraft 42-38146, pilot Lt. W.J. Condon, was a victim of fighter attacks. He was seen lagging behind after the target at Camburg [Germany] had been attacked and had friendly fighter cover.
    Aircraft 42-31721, pilot Lt. McClelland, was hit by flak and attacked by enemy aircraft after having bombed the target at Camburg [Germany]. He was last heard of on Channel “C”. It indicated that he was being escorted by two P-38’s over France at 6,000 feet.
    Aircraft 42-39987, pilot Lt. F/O Probasco, was lost to enemy fighter attacks after the IP. He left formation with one engine feathered.
    Aircraft 42-97191, pilot Lt. Miller, was also lost to enemy fighters after the IP. He left formation with one engine feathered.
    Aircraft 42-97472, pilot Lt. Anderson, was lost to enemy fighter attacks after the IP.
   
4. Group Leader. Captain Harry B. Holsapple, flying in aircraft 42-97381, led the High Group of the 94th Combat Wing.
   
   

1. Flight Plan and Log attached.
2. Track Chart attached.
3. Narrative.
   1. T/O at 1035 hours.
   2. Group formed at 1123 hours at 9,500 feet.
   3. Formed CBW [Combat Wing] at 1125 hours at 8,000 feet.
   4. Began climb at 1128 hours.
   5. Reached altitude at 1238 hours.
   6. Weather encountered over England:
      1. Clouds 0/10ths. Tops ____ feet.
      2. Visibility 20 miles.
      3. Wind at altitude 230 degrees. __ knots per hour.
   7. Means of navigation over England. GEE, Pilotage, DR [Dead Reckoning] and Radio
   8. Means of checking Metro Winds. GEE and Pilotage
   9. Joined task force at 1211 hours at 16,000’
   10. Departed English Coast at 1211 hours.
   11. Arrived Enemy Coast at 1250 hours.
   12. Fighter Rendezvous:
       1. Going in: ____ hours.
       2. Coming back: [Unreadable] hours.
   13. Wind used for bombing:
       1. 270 degrees.
       2. 25 knots per hour.
       3. How determined: GEE, Pilotage, Metro
   14. Description of Bomb Run and Method of target Identification:
       1. Reached IP [Initial Point of bomb run] at [Unreadable] hours.
       2. Mag [Magnetic Compass] heading over target 210 degrees.
       3. Altitude over Target 26,000 feet.
       4. Time bombs away 1455 hours.
       5. Method of target identification and weather over target: Pilotage - Extremely hazy.
   15. Difficulties encountered with Radio, compass, and special equipment: NONE
   16. Gee:
       1. Coordinates of furtherest fix 52°34'N-04°30'E [Coast Line at Egmond aan Zee, Netherlands]
       2. Time 1250 hours.
   17. Comments: ____

Group: 351st
Target: Target of Opportunity
Method of Bombing: Visual
Altitude: 26,000’
Direction of Attack: 210° Mag. Heading
Wind Direction: 270°
Wind Velocity: 29 MPH
Bombardier’s Narrative: The High Box, 351st Bombardment Gp. (H), bombed a Target of Opportunity. Bombs were away at 1455 on a Mag. heading of 210°. Only two other ships out of the eight over the target dropped on the Leader. Rest of ships had jettisoned their bombs in order to stay in formation. Had trouble with the erection system in Mercury sight. Not enough power seemed to be getting to the telescope motor. Had to keep turning motor by hand to keep it running.

[Signed:] R. Duchesneau, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Lead Bombardier

Bombardier - 1st Lt. Duchesneau, John R.  Pilot - Capt. Winton, Bruce F. Navigator - 1st Lt. M. E. Manthey
Aircraft B-17G   381-U  Take-off - 1035 Landed - 1801
Objective - Target of Opportunity
Aiming Point (MPI) [Mean Point of Impact] - ___
Initial Point - ____
Method of Attack - Group
No. of Attacking A/C in Group: - 8   Composite Group - ____
Number A/C Dropping Bombs by own Sighting Operation: One
Deflection and Range Sighting, Group: ____   Composite Group - ____
Range Sighting only, Group - ____   Composite Group - ____
Bombs, Types and Sizes - 500 LB. M-45
Number of Bombs Loaded - 12   Released - Same
Fusing, Nose - 1/10   Tail - 1/100
Synchronization - On
Information at Release Point:

Type of Release - Train
Point of Impact If Seen - Not Observed
Mean Temp. Metro -2.5 Actual -2.5
Winds - Altitude - 27,000 Ft.  Direction - Metro 280°  Actual 270°  Velocity - Metro 25  Actual 29
Temp C. - Metro -27° C. Actual -27° C.

1. There is no photo cover for the bombs of this Group. Bombs away can be plotted, but because of a sharp turn no bombs can be seen on the ground. The aiming point seems to be a small five-building area, probably a processing plant.

1. Target: Assigned - Dessau, Germany Bombed - Various Unidentified Targets
2. Route as Flown. - South of Alkmaar, S. of Zwolle, Diepholz, Winterfeld, Leopoldshall, two 360° turns west of Dessau, Dessau, N. of Bitterfeld, E. of Leipzig, Weimar, Koblenz, rest of route back as briefed.
3. Weather Conditions - A. at Target. - 4/10ths cloud  B. En route - 3-4/10ths cloud
4. Were our A/C "Seen" or "Unseen" targets? (a) At Target - seen (b) Enroute - seen
 Any Condensation Trails? - No
5. Description of Flak, including type of Fire Control: Moderate to intense, accurate for height, poor to fair for deflection. Black bursts and one white, high burst were observed. Type of fire control was probably continuous following, though evidence of this is inconclusive.
6. Flak encountered or observed en route. (In the order experienced) -
 Dummer Lake, 1335, 24,000’ -- moderate, height good, mostly behind our formation.
 Hannover, 1345, 24,000’ -- moderate, height good, deflection poor (observed).
 Celle, 1347, 25,000’ -- meager, accurate.
 Magdeburg, 1400, 25,000’ -- intense, possibly barrage, observed.
 Leipzig, 1420, 25,000’ -- moderate, fairly accurate.
 Frankfurt, 1455, 25,000’ -- intense, possibly barrage, observed.
 Koblentz, 1500, 25,000’ -- moderate, inaccurate.
 Brussels, 1620, 24,000’ -- meager, inaccurate.
 Nieuport [Nieuwpoort], 1635, 24,000’ -- meager, inaccurate.
 All flak believed to be continuous following, unless otherwise noted.
7. Was Chaff carried? - No How discharged? ___
8. Position of Group - High
9. Group – 351st A/C over enemy terr. – 14, A/C damaged – 6, A/C lost to flak – 0, Time over Target – 1410, 
Time of bombs away – 1455, Height – 25,800’, Axis of attack – 210° Mag. Bomb run – two min.
10. Comments - Phenomena: None

1. Following are the comments made by crews flying today’s mission:

    508th Squadron
A/C 066-O: We want to fly with two waist-gunners – Entire Crew.
A/C 711-F: Leader was going so fast it beat the whole formation to death. – Lt. Hales.

    510th Squadron
A/C 124-F: Would like more food in the ship. – Sgt. Ruis.

    511th Squadron
A/C 318-S: Lead stalled us out in the turns. Turns too steep. – Lt. Bland.
A/C 492-B: Do not see any reason for going over target so many times. – Lt. Wellbeloved.

[Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Following is a summary of the Hot News obtained at interrogation of the crews flying today’s mission:
   508th Squadron plane No. 066-O, flying at 18,000 feet, saw a B-17 explode and crash into the sea at 1707 hours at a point 51°25’North - 02°30’East [In sea 22 miles NW of Ostend & 22 miles N of De Panne, Belgium.]. No parachutes or dinghies were seen, but friendly fighters were circling over the spot.
   
   [Signed:] Robert P. Ramsey, Captain, Air Corps, Group S-2 [Intelligence]

1. Following interrogation a negative report is hereby submitted on the mission of the above date.

[Signed:] Ernest J. Cater, 1st Lt., Air Corps, Group Equipment Officer

Aircraft No. 42-31714 Squadron - 511   Pilot - Heller
Time of Abortive - 1226  Location when Aborted - 53°16’N-03°42’E [In Channel 51 miles West of Vlieland Island, Netherlands]
Reason - Late Take-Off – could not catch formation.
Disposition of Bombs: ___
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 16,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: None
[Signed] Dave M. Heller, 1st Lt., A.C.



Aircraft No. 42-38028 Squadron - 510   Pilot - Cesarini
Time of Abortive - 1158  Location when Aborted - Over Channel - 52°36’N-02°20’E [25 miles East of Great Yarmouth.]]
Reason - Exhaust collector ring blew out in back of #2 cylinder – fuel pump line pierced - #4 Engine.
Disposition of Bombs: Jettisoned.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 15,600’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: ____
[Signed] A.J. Cesarini, 1st Lt., A.C.



Aircraft No. 42-31192 Squadron - 508   Pilot - Taylor
Time of Abortive - 1230   Location when Aborted - [Mid Channel 59 miles due East of Great Yarmouth] Alt. 17,900’
Reason - Unable to adjust No. 2 Supercharger at flight alt. Supercharger goes to 20 - 60”.
Disposition of Bombs: Taken home.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 17,900’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks:
[Signed] Robert E. Taylor, 1st Lt.



Aircraft No. 38146 Squadron - 508   Pilot - Condon, R.W.
Time of Abortive - (30-45 min. from target)   Location when Aborted - About 250 miles in Germany. Had to abort. Could not hold position with 4 engines.
Reason - #3 & #4 engines throwing oil in excess. #3 throwing black smoke also. - Feathered #3 when oil pressure dropped below 40 lbs. – just before she dropped in [sic] rose to 100 lbs.- Cyl. temp oil temp. read high – (fuel pump cut out)
Disposition of Bombs: Dropped in Ger.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 22,000 feet
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: There was engine strain all during flight – pulled 2400 & 42 in. for about 15 min. and still could not get in position – air speed was about 170 at time.
[Signed] Robert W. Condon, 2nd Lt., A.C.
[Added in top left corner – Abortive Sortie OK’d by Col. Ball.]



Aircraft No. 42-97252 Squadron - 510th   Pilot - Neal
Time of Abortive - 12:15   Location when Aborted - 52°33’N-01°50’E [5 miles SE of Great Yarmouth]
Reason - Bombardier sick. Passed out – could not bring him to on pure oxygen.
Disposition of Bombs: Landed with bombs aboard.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 18,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - None
Remarks: Bombardier taken off plane by Medical.
[Signed] Alfred D. Neal



Aircraft No. 42-31238  Squadron - 511   Pilot - Karagiannis
Time of Abortive - 1153   Location when Aborted - 53°08’N-00°55’E [24 miles Off English coast due East of Skegness.]
Reason - #2 Supercharger lost power in climb. #3 engine ran 260° & above. Unable to maintain formation in climb.
Disposition of Bombs: Brought back to base.
Altitude At Time of Aborting: 15,000’
Enemy Opposition Encountered - ___
Remarks:
[Signed] Martin Karagiannis

1. Call Letter and Last Four numbers of A/C in each Squadron:

   a. 94th Combat Wing   High Group
   Sqdn 508th A/C: 7066–O, 1711–F, 8146–D, 7349–B, 1757–G, 1192–R
   Sqdn 509th A/C: None
   Sqdn 510th A/C: 1721–S, 8078–Q, 7124–F, 7252–K, 1560–A
   Sqdn 511th A/C: 7381–U, 1714–R, 7318–S, 1238–A, 1748–V, 9987–D, 7191–X, (7472–H, 7492–B Spares)
   P.F.F. Sqdn ___ A/C: ____

   
   
2. Target: GQ-1519
   
3. W/T and R/T Operational Call Sign of each Squadron:

   Squadron	508 [Call Sign]	W/T MPQ R/T CARLTON		Squadron	510 [Call Sign]	W/T PKM R/T TIPSTAFF
   Squadron	509 [Call Sign]	W/T JXP R/T HOTMINT		Squadron	511 [Call Sign]	W/T MAK R/T PARTNERSHIP

4. a. High Box: Taxi – 1020; Take-Off – 1035; E.T.D. Field – 1035
   b. ___ Box: Taxi – ____; Take-Off – ____; E.T.D. Field – ____

5. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (OUT)
   1208	16,000 Ft	Great Yarmouth

6. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (IN)
   1241	23,000 Ft	52°37'N-04°37'E [10 miles NE of Dunkirk, France]

7. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing Enemy Coast: (Out)
   1705	23,000 Ft	51°07'N-02°40'E [Koksijde, Belgium]

8. Time:	Height:	Place of Crossing English Coast: (IN)
   1727	11,000 Ft	Clacton

9. E.T.R.(Estimated Time of Return) Base: 1756 Hours
10. MF/DF [Medium Frequency/Direction Finder] Section: "G"
11. Bomb load of Each A/C: "A" Low Box
    508 Squadron: Max [# of] M-76 I.B.'s [Incendiary Bombs] (Nickels [Propaganda Leaflets] 1192-R, 1757-G)
    509 Squadron: Max [# of] M-76 I.B.'s [Incendiary Bombs]
    510 Squadron: Max [# of] M-76 I.B.'s [Incendiary Bombs]
    511 Squadron: Max [# of] M-76 I.B.'s [Incendiary Bombs]
    
12. Fuel Load of each A/C: 2700 Gallons
    
13. Group Leader:
    a. High Box: Name: Harry B. Holsapple Rank: Captain A/C:7381-U  Sqdn. 511th
    b. Low Box: Name: ___ Rank: ___ A/C: ___ Sqdn. ___
14. Passengers, if any: (Full Name, Rank, A/C and Squadron Passenger flying with)
    None
15. Actual Times Off and Return by Squadrons and A/C Letters:
    
    High Box

    Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.	Squadron	A/C No. & Letter	A.T.O.	A.T.R.
    508	7066–O	____	____	509	None
    	1711–F	____	____
    	8146–D	____	____
    	7349–B	____	____
    	1757–G	____	____
    	1192–R	____	____
    510	1721–S	____	____	511	7381–U	____	____
    	8028–Q	____	____		1714–R	____	____
    	7124–F	____	____		7318–S	____	____
    	7252–K	____	____		1238–A	____	____
    	1560–A	____	____		1748–V	____	____
    					9987–D	____	____
    					7191–X	____	____
    				Spare	7492–B	____	____
    				Spare	7472–H	____	____

    Report Compiled By John Maksimik, S/Sgt.
    
    

Thirteen planes took off to bomb Dessau, Germany, led by Captain Holsapple and Captain Winton with Lt. Manthey as navigator and Lt. Duchesneau as bombardier.
 At the rendezvous point another wing of B-17s was assembling, causing the 351st to make a 360° turn to get out of the way. Unfortunately this maneuver put them behind the other two squadrons they were to lead. Increasing speed by some 10 mph, the formation climbed mostly on full power. Just as the target area was reached, the 351st assumed the Wing lead again, in time to meet 75 to 100 fighters head-on. On the first pass they shot down 42-97472, flown by Lt. Anderson, Flight Officer Probasco in 42-39987, Lt. Condon in 42-31757, Lt. Miller in 42-97191 and damaged the number one engine on 42-31721, flown by Lt. McClelland. Feathering this propeller, Lt. McClelland went on to bomb the target. After bombs away, the number two engine failed causing the plane to drop behind the formation.
 Fortunately, the escorting P-47s had cleared the sky of enemy fighters and were now shepherding stragglers, including ‘721. Heading for home, but losing height gradually, Lt. McClelland felt that he would make it back with the help of the escort. However, suddenly, number four engine failed. Despite throwing everything overboard including the ball turret and the number three engine at full power, the plane was losing height rapidly. Just west of Frankfurt they were down to 3,000 feet and dropping so Lt. McClelland gave the order to bail out. All jumped successfully, but all were quickly captured except Sgt. Cruse who was killed on the ground by German civilians.

• A/C# 42-97472   DS-H  Pilot: Anderson     A/C's 23rd Mission   MACR # 5329

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Interrogation Statement in the Missing Air Crew Report:
   Second Lieutenant Charles F. Anderson, O-755259, was flying as pilot of Aircraft #42-97472 on a mission to Dessau, Germany on May 28, 1944. He was flying in the No. 6 position, Low Squadron. Plane was lost to enemy aircraft after I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run]. This is all that is known.
  [Signed] Robert H. Van Beynum, Captain, Air Corps, Ass't S-2 [Intelligence] Officer.
  
  According to documents in the Missing Air Crew Report the plane crashed 3 km. south of Aschersleben, Germany.
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Anderson, Charles F., From Arizona, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - F/O McFetridge, Robert L., From New York, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Ryan, Robert E., The MACR shows he was a POW and he returned to Military Control, but there is No information on National Archives POW database.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Baird, William H., From Pennsylvania, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Williams, Neal W., From Missouri, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Vecchione, Casper, From Maryland, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Matzke, Bernard J., From Wisconsin, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - This position not manned.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Nitzberg, George P., From California, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Van Horn, Edward E., From North Carolina, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-39987   DS-D  "Pin Ball"  Pilot: Probasco     A/C's 31st Mission   MACR # 5328

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account in the Missing Air Crew Report
   "I, Thomas B. Cardamona, 12157909, was flying as Tail Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-31748 which was in No. 4 position of the second element of the high squadron. During the bomb run I saw F/O [Flight Officer] Robert E.L. Probasco who was flying directly behind me in No. 5 position, attacked by enemy fighters. I saw no visible signs of damage, but he did fall out of formation soon afterward. Though completely under control. He kept losing altitude and gradually went out of sight. I heard nothing on VHF nor did I see any Parachutes." [Signed] Thomas B. Cardamona, S/Sgt., Air Corps.
  
  Eyewitness Account in the Missing Air Crew Report
   "I, James M. Gipson, 34139330, was flying as Ball Turret Gunner on Aircraft No. 42-31748 which was in No. 4 position of the high squadron, on a mission to Dessau, Germany on May 28, 1944. Just after bombs away I looked back and saw F/O [Flight Officer] Robert E.L. Probasco who had been flying in No. 5 position in our element with No. 2 Engine feathered and smoking. Since there were fighters around, he must have been hit by fighter bullets. He had fallen back of the High Squadron and was trailing us under control. He then went out of sight and I saw or heard nothing more." [Signed] James M. Gipson, Sgt., Air Corps.
  
  Narrative Account (Navigator) [2nd Lt Bragg, William E.]
  This information is collected principally from a notebook maintained as a form of diary while in prison.
   Attacked by superior number of various types of German fighters near Magdeburg. Altitude: 27,500'. Our ship was knocked out of formation at about 3d pass. Due in part to ship being old and having difficulty keeping up; attempted to salvo bombs. Pilot in attempting to get ship from above another ship so salvo could be accomplished hit prop-wash from another B-17 and were thrown from formation. Attack continued; various numbers of fighters making passes. Crew members, including myself, were wounded from time to time. Oxygen and No. 3 engine were shot out. No. 2 engine was running away periodically. Had lost altitude to about 19,000'. Decided with pilot to hit deck and take up a course generally in the direction of Switzerland. Was working on course when Bombardier returned from vicinity of cockpit and prepared to bail out, stating Pilot could not pull ship out and had ordered abandonment. Bombardier bailed out. Co-pilot bailed. Noted altitude as approximately 11.000' and bailed out myself. Noted engineer coming behind me as I left ship. On way down noted enemy fighters in area; however, no attack made on parachutists in vicinity. Noted chute (later identified as co-pilot) coming down over little village to my right. This village I believe I can positively identify as Falkenburg, about 50 miles ESE of Dessau. I would not have believed we were that far from Dessau; however, only cursory navigation was possible during the fight and, as I remember, our course was laid out for a long East leg after target. I remember noting during the fight while we were attempting to generally follow our group that we kept up long periods of due East flight. My course for Switzerland was based on the center of a circle of maximum error; however, I believe I can say positively that Falkenburg (East of Dessau) is the village. Co-pilot was shot at by civilians while he was descending over village; came down in village and was manhandled to some extent but extricated from this difficulty by the police, who turned him over to Luftwaffe authorities at the nearby airfield. Were forced to bail out before a definite pilotage pinpoint fix could be obtained. However, believe I was about 2 or 3 miles South of the village. Landed in a grain field near a RR track and a canal. Picked up by 2 enlisted members of Luftwaffe and assisted into airfield which was nearby. Believe plane crashed not too far away, as observed plane flying on automatic pilot in large circle, while descending. Also, Luftwaffe had various items from plane next morning. Observed crew member I believe to be Singleton brought into Nazi medical office, while I was leaving. Shot through stomach. very bad shape. Was presumed dead by us while in prison. Germans made vague statement to one of survivors something about chute or chutes not opening. Singleton, by Engineer's account, was O.K. when he left; therefore, presume he may have been shot on ground. A good bit of shooting at airmen by civilians was going on that day, from the accounts of other crews, and from co-pilot's experience.
  
   My account of the crew members is not accurate as could have been due to the fact that I was unacquainted with the majority of them. I was substituting on the crew that day for their regular navigator, who was grounded for illness.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - F/O Probasco, Robert E.L., From New Jersey, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Lewellyn, Stephen B., From Indiana, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Bragg, William P., From New Jersey, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Branch, Bruno, From West Virginia, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Ulreich, Herman T., From Ohio, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - S/Sgt Moore, Arlie W., - Killed in Action
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt Seaman, Raymond G., - Killed in Action
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt Frankowski, Edward J., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 7 Bankau (Moved to Moosburg & Nuremberg) Upper Silesia 51-18, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Ringstmeyer, Norman W. - Killed in Action
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Singleton, James D., Wounded, Died in hospital in Torgau/Elbe on 22 May, 1944.

  According to the MACR documents, the plane crashed 5 km. south of airfield Alt-Loennewitz near Falkenberg/Elster, Germany. The three men who were killed and the wounded man were found near where the plane crashed.
  Sgt Seaman, Sgt Ringstmeyer and S/Sgt Moore were initially buried on 31 May 1944 in Schmerkendorf Wald Prisoner Cemetery near Falkenberg/Elster, Row 3, grave No. 1, 2 & 3.
  Sgt Singleton was initially buried on 1 June 1944 in cemetery of Torgau/Elbe, Section C, row II, grave No. 8.

  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Arlie W. Moore, Burial: Terry County Memorial Cemetery, Brownfield, Terry County, Texas.
  • Raymond G. Seaman, Burial: Plot A Row 22 Grave 3, Ardennes American Cemetery, Neupré, Belgium, Awards: Air Medal, Purple Heart.
  • Norman W. Ringstmeyer, Burial: Lincoln Memorial Park, Lincoln, Lancaster County, Nebraska.
  • James D. Singleton, Burial: Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, Plot: Section P Site 59.
  
  
  

  

  
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• A/C# 42-31757   YB-G  "Round Trip"  Pilot: W. Condon     A/C's 23rd Mission   MACR # 5333

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Interrogation Statement in the Missing Air Crew Report:
   "Second Lieutenant William J. Condon, O-809929 was flying as pilot of aircraft #42-31757 on a mission to Dessau, Germany on May 28, 1944. Flying in the No. 5 position, Low Squadron he was seen to lag behind the formation after the target with No. 2 Engine feathered. He had Allied fighter cover. This is all that is known."
  [Signed] Robert H. Van Beynum, Captain, Air Corps, Ass't S-2 [Intelligence] Officer.
  
  A Casualty Questionnaire completed by William H. Morris, the Radio Operator/Gunner, states:
  [Q] Where were you when you left formation? [A] Over Bernberg, or 5 min. from Target.
  [Q] Did you bail out? [A] Yes
  [Q] Did other members of crew bail out? [A] Yes, the tail gunner, Sgt John J. Jackson and the Bombardier, Lt. Edwin S. Onken.
  [Q] Tell all you know about when, where, how each person in your aircraft for whom no individual questionnaire is attached bailed out. [A] John J. Jackson bailed out immediately following myself at 14:25 out of the waist door. Lt. Edwin S. Onken bailed out of nose of aircraft. No knowledge of time is known.
  [Q] Where did your aircraft strike the ground? [A] No knowledge
  [Q] What members of your crew were in the aircraft when it struck the ground? [A] Pilot - W.J. Condon, Co-pilot J.P. Kolceski, Nav.- L.J. Zindar, Engineer - J.O. Jackson, Waist Gunner - Harry M. Norris, No knowledge of Ball Gunner Charles G. Jenkins.
  [Q] Where were they in aircraft? [A] At their respective positions.
  [Q] What was their condition? [A] All were dead according to my knowledge.
  [Q] When, where, and in what condition did you last see any members not already described above? [A] I last saw Ball Turret Gunner Charles G. Jenkins not wounded after I pulled him out of Ball Turret. He was dazed from lack of oxygen (at 27,000 ft.)! He had my parachute and was in the Radio Compartment. I was too weak from insufficient oxygen to help him furthur [sic].
  [Q] Please give any similar information on personnel of any other crew of which you have knowledge. [A] Waist Gunner, Sgt. Harry M. Norris was wounded slightly about the head after the enemy fighter attack. He became frantic and left his position to come to my position in Radio Compartment. Lack of oxygen caused him to fall in the gear train of the Ball Turret which was in full operation. At this time there was no oxygen behind the Bombays [sic]. I tried to rescue him, but it was impossible. He was torn to pieces beyond recognition.
  
  [He continued on back of page with this statement:]
  Our target time was aproximately [sic] 14:30. About 10 or 15 min. before we reached our objective, a large force of enemy fighter planes attacked our wing. We had already passed our I.P. [Initial Point of Bomb Run] and Bombay [sic] doors were open. After fighters made first pass we lost No. 4 Engine which was burning. Pilot feathered the engine and we were forced to fall behind our group even after salvo-ing our bombs (Leaflet Bombs!). A group of 8 - 10 enemy planes then concentrated on our ship and attacked for a few minutes until pilot W.J. Condon, and Co-pilot Joseph P. Kolceski, were either killed or wounded and our ship went out of control. The Germans later told me that our ship landed in one piece about 6 Kilometers from the town which I came down in. This town I think is called Bernburg, Germany. They also named every one of the crew-members as dead, that I have already mentioned on opposite side. I am not positive of the name of the town as being Bernburg, but I saw a few name plates and directions signs pointing toward this town. To my best estimation the plane must have crashed about 6 kilos. southeast of Bernburg, Germany.
  
  [On another questionnaire about the pilot, Lt. Condon, William H. Morris stated:]
  As I left the Radio Compartment to help the waist gunner who fell in the gears of the ball turret, I opened the door to the Bombay [sic] and saw that the windshield was full of holes by gun fire. From the condition of the Plexiglass windshield when I last saw it he was killed of very badly disabled. A few hours after I came down the Germans gave me his shoes as mine had come off.
  
  [2nd Lt. Edwin S. Onken, the Bombardier, gave this statement:]
  William Morris bailed out rear hatch, John Jackson bailed out rear hatch. I, Edwin Onken, bailed out glass nose which had been blown off. I was so badly wounded I was unable to move about the aircraft. I had no other choice. I was unconscious during descent and was temporarily blinded. I could not see the aircraft. The Germans said that there were four men in the plane. Later that night they told William Norris that six men of our crew were dead. Harry Norris did not get out and Laddie Zindar did not. I can not say about the others. Harry Norris was in the waist and Laddie Zindar was in the nose. He received a direct hit in the face by a 20 mm. shell. Harry Norris was dead as far as I know and also Laddie Zindar. I did not see any [crew members] except the navigator, Lt Zindar. William Morris said the the windshield in the cockpit was shattered. The plane was out of control and was in a terriable [sic] dive, making it very difficult for anyone to get out of the ship.
  
  Documents in the MACR state:
  A. That the plane crashed at Waldau on eastern outskirts of Bernburg.
  B. John J. Jackson and Edwin Onken were wounded and both were transferred to Airforce Hospital, Halle-Dolau. The wounded was transferred to Halle-Dolau on 29 May 44, but were declared transportable from the physician on duty and sent to the prison of Airbase Halle. The wounded were sent from Halle to Oberursel on 30 May 44 with a joint transport.
  C. John J. Jackson's injuries were described as injury to left knee, the right foot joint and scratch wounds on head.
  D. Edwin Onken's injuries were described as numerous splinter-shot-wounds on both arms and legs.
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 2nd Lt Condon, William J., Killed In Action
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Kolceski, Joseph P., Killed In Action
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Zindar, Laddie J., Killed In Action
  • Bombardier - 2nd Lt Onken, Edwin S., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 1 Barth-Vogelsang Prussia 54-12, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - Sgt Jackson, Junny O., Killed In Action
  • Radio Operator - Sgt Morris, William H., From Illinois, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt Norris, Harry M., Killed In Action
  • Ball Turret Gunner - Sgt Jenkins, Charles G., Killed In Action
  • Tail Gunner - Sgt Jackson, John, J., From Ohio, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • William J. Condon, Burial: Plot M Row 21 Grave 12, Netherlands American Cemetery, Margraten, Netherlands, Awards: Purple Heart
  • Joseph P. Kolceski, Burial: Sacred Heart Cemetery, Syracuse, Onondaga County, New York, Plot: Veterans
  • Laddie J. Zindar, Burial: Calvary Cemetery, Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, Ohio, Plot: Section 60
  • Junny O. Jackson, Burial: East LaPorte Cemetery, East LaPorte, Jackson County, North Carolina
  • Harry M. Norris, Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, Plot: Sec: 34, Site: 1643
  • Charles G. Jenkins, Burial: Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Arlington County, Virginia, Plot: Sec: 34, Site: 2660

  

  
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• A/C# 42-97191   DS-X  "Silver Ball"  Pilot: Miller     A/C's 16th Mission   MACR # 5326

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  The plane was attacked by enemy fighters and crashed at Nedlitz 15 km NE of Zerbst, Germany. Russell Brown, the Navigator, was captured at railway bridge East of the Elbe River, near Barby on 1 June 44. One of the Waist Gunners said in a statement that the Ball Turret Gunner "called [on the interphone] for Oxygen bottle when system shot out." To the question "Was he injured?" He answered, "20 mm. thru back and out stomach." Question "Where was he when last seen? He wrote, "Climbing out of Ball Turret for oxygen bottle (Low pressure type) and tried to get back in Ball Turret when bandit attacked from below. He was killed instantly and myself wounded in legs and face from same attack." A crew member, possibly the Top Turret Gunner, Avry, wrote in a questionnaire that he called "Lt. Miller's attention to the damage and fire in the No. 2 gas tank. Lt. Miller was O.K. then. He gave the order to leave." "When I was picked up the Germans told me one man was dead in the ship and one laying about 100 feet away dying with chute open." Lt Miller & Sgt Kaplowitz were buried on 30 May 44 in the community cemetery in Nedlitz.

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt Miller, Carl E., Killed in Action
  • Co-pilot - 2nd Lt Fikes, Maurice G., From New York, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 2nd Lt Brown, Russell A., From Rhode Island, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Nose Gunner - Sgt Lemcke, Ernest A., From New York, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Avry, Frank H., From Ohio, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt McCann, James D., From New York, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - Sgt Lien, Albert L., From Minnesota, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Sgt Bushlow, Anthony J., From Massachusetts, POW at Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Kaplowitz, Isidor P., Killed in Action
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Stafford, George A., From South Carolina, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Carl E. Miller, Burial: Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, Plot: Section U
  • Isidor P. Kaplowitz, No burial records found.
  
  
  
  

• A/C# 42-31721   TU-S  "Black Magic"  Pilot: McClelland     A/C's 35th Mission   MACR # 5334

  Aircraft Loss Circumstances:

  Eyewitness Account in the Missing Air Crew Report
   "I, Harry B. Holsapple, O-735786, was flying as pilot of the lead element of the lead squadron on aircraft No. 42-97381 on a mission to Dessau, Germany on 28 May 1944. I first noticed Lt. Clyde W. McClelland who was flying in No. 2 position of my element just before bombs away. At that time I noticed nothing wrong with him. Shortly afterwards I saw him and he had fallen out of his position and was directly below me with No. 1 & 2 engines feathered. I think that he must have been hit by flak, which we encountered in moderate amounts just before bombs away. I did not see any fighters, and feel certain that if there had been any that I would have seen them. Lt. McClelland was under control and was keeping an airspeed of 150 miles per hour. He was descending and peeled off to the left apparently heading toward France. He then went out of sight. I heard nothing over VHF and saw no parachutes.
  [Signed] Harry B. Holtsapple, Captain, Air Corps."
  
   The plane crashed at Mernes 8 km E of Bad Orb, Germany.
  Nathan Williams, Ball Turret Gunner, was captured near Seltere, Oberhessen on 1 June 44.
  One crewman wrote in a casualty questionnaire about S/Sgt Cruse that he was "First out of the ship" and he "saw him after he hit the ground. He waived at me." To the question, Was he injured? He answered, "No, not when we bailed out.
   Question, Where was he last seen? Answer, "In a clearing about a block from my landing."
   Question, Any explanaton of his fate: Answer, "Don't know for sure but think he was killed in or near that small town near where we landed. I managed to keep hid from them and left area the next day."
  Another crewman wrote: "German civilians were shooting at us as we descended in our parachutes and I am almost positive they hit him, but I was too far away to determine whether he was killed or wounded."
   Crew member statement possibly the navigator: "Our route was: over the Zuider Zee, past Dummer Lake, on east past the area North of Hannover. Shortly after passing North of Hannover, our route turned south southeast taking us just by the western area of Magdeburg, to our I.P. At the I.P. we turned due east on bombing run to the target at Dessau. Near the target we were attacked by a very large motley group of German fighters (Ju 87's, Me 109's, FW 190's Me 110's). Our Wing Leader made a dry run and began a 360° turn to the left, thus throwing the planes somewhat out of formation. If I recall correctly, we made two 360° turns and received either one or two more attacks from the German fighters. We lost one engine; a minute or two later, we lost a second engine; then, finally the third engine; thus, we fell out of formation and headed west by ourselves. The Wing had followed the scheduled route to the target; however, I believe we were about 10 or 12 minutes late, thus missing the rendezvous with our fighter escort."
  Another crewman said in his questionnaire that "I think civilians killed him as he had a knife on him. At that time they were rather rough on Aircrew members especially armed. Lt Duncan, navigator, was beaten by civilians after being injured in jump."
  

  Individual Accounts of Crewmen Fates:
  • Pilot - 1st Lt McClelland, Clyde W., From Pennsylvania, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Co-pilot - 1st Lt Francis, Richard E., From California, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Navigator - 1st Lt Duncan, John B., From Florida, POW at Stalag 9C Bad Sulza Saxe-Weimar 51-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Bombardier - 1st Lt Kiely, George F., From New York, POW in Germany, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Top Turret Gunner - T/Sgt Poole, Louis E., From Florida, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Radio Operator - T/Sgt Kriesky, Leonard J., From Missouri, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Left Waist Gunner - S/Sgt Edwards, Junior H., From Illinois, POW at Stalag Luft 3 Sagan-Silesia Bavaria (Moved to Nuremberg-Langwasser) 49-11, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Right Waist Gunner - Position not Manned
  • Ball Turret Gunner - S/Sgt Williams, Nathan L., From Wisconsin, POW at Stalag Luft 4 Gross-Tychow (formerly Heydekrug) Pomerania, Prussia (moved to Wobbelin Bei Ludwigslust) (To Usedom Bei Savenmunde) 54-16, Returned to Military Control, Liberated or Repatriated.
  • Tail Gunner - S/Sgt Cruse, Leroy D., Killed in Action
  Burial Records:
  

  The burial records below courtesy of the American Battle Monuments Commission. http://www.abmc.gov and findagrave.com

  • Leroy D. Cruse, was initially buried in the Elm community cemetery on 29 May 1944.
    Burial: Fairview Cemetery, Terril, Dickinson County, Iowa, Plot: 181-5